We all know Gary Bettman is full of it. The guy even LOOKS shady and crooked. But if not him, who? Who do you think the best commissioner for the NHL would be and why?
Personally, I'm thinkin' Gretzky ('cuz he's Gretzky) or maybe Brett Hull since he's never been afraid to tell it like it is.
2007-02-01 08:21:28 · 18 answers · asked by puckfreak02 3 in Sports ➔ Hockey
You need two commissioners. One who has played the game i.e Gretzky or Hull and someone with business sense and who has a background in marketing. That way we could see more games on T.V and not on that crap verse and the realignment would allow us to see teams more than once a year. I think players have a better understanding of what's best and worst for the game.
2007-02-05 14:57:02 · answer #1 · answered by bearbigdog22 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I asked this same question yesterday. I do not think it should be a former player they are too sypmathetic to the players and the commissioner is supposed to be the voice of the owners the players have the head of the players association. Below is a copy of what I chose for best answer to this question:
I think Bill Daly is the perfect choice. He played a huge role in crafting the current CBA, and he has a good relationship with Ted Saskin. Plus, he's a more endearing character as opposed to Gary Bettman, so I think the fans would accept him moreso than Bettman. I think most former players would be horrible choices for the commissioner position as they would not necessarily be talented at growing the game. However, they would be very well suited in other roles in the NHL office. For example, Colin Campbell's current position as disiplinarian.
BTW to the person claiming Gretzky has been an owner in the NHL that is not true Lemieux has partial ownership of the Pens but it is nowhere near majority ownership.
2007-02-01 14:05:17 · answer #2 · answered by needingajob 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bettman for all of his downfalls has done a pretty decent job. Just like the arena thing here in Pittsburgh. He knows the NHL can not afford to lost the Pittsburgh Penguins and he is doing his best to not let that happen, GOOD MOVE! As far as Gretzky, he shouldn't be commish because he is Gretzky. He can not even run the dreadful Coyotes.
2007-02-05 10:56:50 · answer #3 · answered by kdogg1223 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I could do a better job than Bettman (I think I'm a good commish for my fantasy league)! But more realistically, Scotty Bowman would be great if he were up for the job. The man knows hockey, is stern, traditional, and knows how to be in charge. Gretzky would do well, and Hull probably would too. The most important thing would be to find someone who can appreciate the tradition of hockey. Not someone who wants to change the game with a glowing puck or 7 ft. wide nets.
2007-02-01 17:36:41 · answer #4 · answered by Dan J 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like any and all men who have been the President of the United States, Gary Bettman takes the brunt of any and all things bad that go on. Obama for the US and Bettman in the NHL. It is NOT all Bettman's fault. He goes by the rules. He did NOT make all the rules. I doubt he will ever be "thrown out". It is more likely that HE will choose to move on. My pick to be the new commissioner when that happens is Brendan Shanahan. Or Machinehead. He had an awesome play off beard last spring. viphockey knows stuff. He could give it a go, too. Besides, he's a Red Wings fan.
2016-05-24 02:50:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gretzky or Hull would be good, but do they have the business background that being a commissioner of a major league entails? Gretzky has been around it a bit and could possibly do a good job with his diplomatic skills. Hull is great at speaking his mind and letting everybody else deal with it, which may not always be a good idea when your job hinges on the opinions of 30 rich guys (or their toadies) with a political bent.
Somebody who would surely ruffle some feathers but generate a vast amount of excitement is Don Cherry. I don't think I need to go into details about him....
2007-02-01 13:47:58 · answer #6 · answered by eldren_coralon 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gretzky
2007-02-05 07:27:00 · answer #7 · answered by Brent S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Gretzky is an excellent choice. He's been both a player and owner and knows both sides when it comes to labour disputes. He would garner alot of respect from both sides as well and issues would probably be resolved alot faster. Also, whoever is the next commissioner should have some hockey values and help put teams back in hockey towns instead of places where people won't support it.
2007-02-01 13:15:19 · answer #8 · answered by ceemcee05 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The best commissioner for the NHL would be Steve Yzerman, because I think he has the best personality, business know how , and is well liked by the fans alike.
2007-02-05 13:03:39 · answer #9 · answered by glenn c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mark Cuban! Too bad he'd never do it, so I'd have to say Harley Hotchkiss or Scotty Bowman.
BTW, Wayne Gretzky is in fact part owner of the Phoenix Coyotes.
2007-02-01 14:40:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋